MLB News

Worth noting

By
Bill LadsonMLB.com

• The Nationals' trainer came out to check on reliever Chris Garcia in the fourth inning on Friday against the Astros. It turns that that Garcia's finger nail slices his thumb every time he throws a changeup. The injury is not considered serious, and Garcia completed the fourth inning.

• Rafael Soriano pitched his first game of the spring on Friday, allowing two runs in one inning against the Astros. Williams said wasn't concerned about the outing.

• The Nationals' trainer came out to check on reliever Chris Garcia in the fourth inning on Friday against the Astros. It turns that that Garcia's finger nail slices his thumb every time he throws a changeup. The injury is not considered serious, and Garcia completed the fourth inning.

• Rafael Soriano pitched his first game of the spring on Friday, allowing two runs in one inning against the Astros. Williams said wasn't concerned about the outing.

"He was just pounding the strike zone," Williams said. "For closers, the first outing is about establishing your strike zone. He is fine."

• Right-hander Ross Ohlendorf left Thursday's game against the Braves with back spasms. Williams said there is no structural damage, but there is also no timetable as to when Ohlendorf will return to a game.

• Right-hander Taylor Jordan was scheduled to pitch in Saturday's split-squad game against the Cardinals, but Williams decided that he wanted to see Jordan throw against the Braves at Space Coast Stadium. Right-hander Chris Young will get the start against the Cardinals instead. Bench coach Randy Knorr will manage against St. Louis in Jupiter, Fla.

"I want to be [at Space Coast Stadium] and I want to get a chance to see [Jordan]," Williams said. "I've certainly seen Chris more than Taylor. I want to see him [Jordan] pitch here tomorrow."

• The Nationals are expecting to make their first round of cuts on Sunday morning.

• Instant replay will be available to the Nationals starting March 12 against the Astros. After that, instant replay will be available at Nationals' games five more times this spring.